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Synergetic effects of polyethylene microplastic and abamectin pesticides on the eyes of zebrafish larvae and adults through activation of apoptosis signaling pathways
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Researchers exposed zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics and the pesticide abamectin, both individually and in combination, and found that the mixture caused significantly worse eye damage and lower survival rates than either pollutant alone. The combined exposure triggered higher levels of oxidative stress and activated cell death pathways in eye tissues. The study reveals that microplastics and pesticides can interact to produce amplified toxic effects on aquatic organisms, particularly affecting their vision.
Although the toxicity of microplastics (MPs) and pesticides has recently been described, the possible effects of combining these pollutants are poorly understood. Thus, we evaluated the potential impact of exposure to polyethylene MP (PE-MP) and abamectin (ABM) (alone and combined) in zebrafish. After five days, the combined exposure to MP and ABM decreased the survival rate compared to exposures to individual pollutants. A significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, apoptosis, and impairment in antioxidant response was observed in zebrafish larvae. Morphological changes in the eyes of zebrafish significantly increased in the combined exposure group than in the individual exposure. Furthermore, the bax and p53 expression (specific apoptotic genes) was significantly upregulated after the combined exposure to PE-MP and ABM. So, the synergetic effect of MP and ABM cannot be ignored, and further research on other higher models is required to confirm its consequences.
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Combined neurotoxicity of aged microplastics and thiamethoxam in the early developmental stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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This study found that aged (weathered) microplastics combined with the insecticide thiamethoxam caused worse neurological damage to zebrafish larvae than either pollutant alone. The combined exposure reduced heart rate and movement, disrupted antioxidant defenses, and altered neurotransmitter levels in ways that were synergistic rather than simply additive. This is relevant to human health because both microplastics and pesticides are common in the environment, and their combined effects may pose greater risks than either one individually.
Toxic effects of polystyrene microplastics on atrazine in zebrafish: Exogenous toxicity and endogenous mechanism
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Researchers found that combining polystyrene microplastics with the common herbicide atrazine was more toxic to zebrafish than either pollutant alone, causing greater liver and gut damage. The combination also degraded water quality by reducing oxygen levels and increasing harmful nitrogen compounds. This is important because microplastics and pesticides frequently co-exist in the environment, meaning their combined effects on aquatic life and food safety may be worse than studies of individual pollutants suggest.
Combined effects of polyethylene terephthalate and abamectin on enzymatic activity and histopathology response in juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio)
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Researchers studied the combined effects of PET microplastic fragments and the pesticide abamectin on juvenile zebrafish over 96 hours. They found that microplastics increased the bioavailability and toxicity of the pesticide by inhibiting protective enzymes in the fish, and the combination caused tissue damage in the liver and kidney. The study highlights that microplastics can act as carriers for other environmental contaminants, amplifying their harmful effects on aquatic life.
Toxicity evaluation of the combination of emerging pollutants with polyethylene microplastics in zebrafish: Perspective study of genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and redox unbalance
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics combined with a mixture of common water pollutants for 15 days and assessed DNA damage, mutation rates, and oxidative stress. They found that microplastics alone caused DNA damage and nuclear abnormalities as severe as those caused by the pollutant mixture, challenging the assumption that microplastics are less harmful than chemical contaminants. The study revealed that the fish's antioxidant defenses were overwhelmed across multiple organs, suggesting widespread oxidative damage from microplastic exposure.
Toxicity of mixture of polyethylene microplastics and Up Grade® pesticide on Oreochromis niloticus juvenile: I. Hemato-biochemical and histopathological alterations
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Researchers exposed juvenile Nile tilapia to a pesticide and polyethylene microplastics, both individually and in combination, and measured blood chemistry changes and organ damage over 15 days. The combination treatment caused more severe effects than either pollutant alone, including reduced red blood cell counts, elevated liver enzymes, and significant tissue damage to the gills and intestines. The study demonstrates that microplastics can worsen the toxic effects of agricultural pesticides on commercially important fish species.
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